KQ2 Pigskin Preview: East Buchanan looking to bring the power back to Gower in 2026

GOWER, Mo. (KQTV) - With a 4-6 record, the East Buchanan Bulldogs High School football team had its first losing season last year since 2019 and has another young squad this time around.

But this veteran coaching staff led by head coach Dan Ritter knows how to win. We are just a few seasons removed from the Bulldogs winning back to back state championships in 2021 and 2022 after all.

"What's the old phrase like it's from a rap song in the early 1990s, don't call it a comeback we've been here for years. East Buchanan is one of the most storied programs in Northwest Missouri. So if we can't bounce back, then nobody can," said Ritter. "I know we can. I know we had a lot of flaws last year in a lot of different ways and we had some things not go our way, but there's no excuse. We have to bounce back and show this community that we're here to stay."

The Bulldogs dealt with a lot of injuries last season, which tested the team's numbers. Now East Buchanan is hoping the youth that played last season will be more familiar with things this fall.

Last season it wasn't the greatest season, but I think that we learned that we kind of died out in the first few games of the the season last year. This year we're gonna bring a different energy to all the games," said senior offensive lineman Cavin Stephens.

"This year has been a lot more energetic. I feel like past years have been a little bit down, but coming to this year, everyone's excited to be here, coming and putting in the work, so it's a great start," said senior running back Landon Smith.

The Bulldogs have a new quarterback this season with a fitting name, Remington Musser. The junior is the younger cousin of another East Buchanan quarterback of the past, Conner Musser. Now Remington has a chance to not only show off his rifle arm, but to lead this team just like his cousin once did.

"Step in and let your team help you and don't put like everything on your shoulders," said Musser. "Everyone's got to work together to be good and it can't just be on one person. But also step in there and be a leader and get everyone hyped up and make them feel good."

East Buchanan will participate in the Excelsior Springs Jamboree on August 21st, and then will open the season on the road at Trenton on August 28th.